Today's news

SINE DIE: A lot of things didn't happen in Tallahassee during the legislative session, like a higher ed governance overhaul and a mandate that science teachers provide alternatives to evolution. And only at the end of the final day did several education measures win approval. (Times photo, Scott Keeler)

ADMINISTRATION NEWS:Hernando superintendent Wayne Alexander scales back his raise request from 14 percent, which some board members considered outrageous, to 5.5 percent. Pinellas teachers call for outgoing superintendent Clayton Wilcox to pay for at least part of the search for his replacement. Pasco reveals the transfer of Gulf High principal Tom Imerson as the first move in an expected administrative reorganization.

SESSION ROUNDUP: The Orlando Sentinel reports on the proposed new way to grade Florida high schools, which now heads to the governor's desk. Gov. Crist is expected to sign, the Palm Beach Post reports. Sen. Don Gaetz talks to the Orlando Sentinel about his inability to push charter school accountability reform through this year. Hint: He promises to bring the measure back next session. Lawmakers add to schools' physical education requirements (first item), but don't renew the annual sales tax holiday for school supplies (second item), the Palm Beach Post reports.

PAYROLL PROBLEMS: The Palm Beach school district gets a negative audit, with most of its findings related to a troubled implementation of a new payroll software system, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Visit the Gradebook at noon for an interview with Cindy Gustafson, president of a gifted education advocacy and support group in Hernando County. Gustafson talks about Hernando's plans to open a gifted center in the fall.

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How are state tests being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.